The tawny-colored pit bull mix springs up with excitement when Humane Society Treasurer Carol Scott approaches with a few bacon-flavored treats.

When overly excited, Scooby’s bark sounds almost like his namesake, Scooby-Doo.

For Scott, Scooby and his wagging tail are an easy target of affection.

“I took him home yesterday for a few hours because he and Mollie get along so well,” she said about her own dog. “I’d keep him if I could.”

Mollie also used to live in the Craig Animal Shelter, but she has found a temporary home at Scott’s house.

Recommended Stories For You

Scooby, however, is one of 13 dogs still needing a home.

But, Scott is hoping this will be his last week sleeping on his rubber cot at the shelter.

The Humane Society is hosting an adoption event at the Bear Creek Animal Hospital, 2430 E. Victory Way. The Craig Animal Shelter is inside the hospital.

Twenty-five dogs and cats will be on display outside where people can see them and interact with them, Scott said.

The Humane Society will offer reduced adoption rates during the event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“When we do something like this, the animals get to get out of the shelter environment,” Scott said. “It’s better for people to spend time with them that way.”

Breeds from tabby cats to corgi and pit bull puppies will be available to look at.

At 6 years old, Scooby is one of the veterans of the Craig Animal Shelter. He’s also been there the longest, barking through the gate of his cage, wagging his tail with delight and licking any friendly hand nearby.

Scooby’s previous owners relinquished him, however, it’s not because he was a difficult pet.

“A lot of people think ‘Oh, what has this dog been through, he’s 6,'” Scott said. “They don’t know where he came from. But, everyone thinks he’s awesome.”

Some owners, she said, even look for a dog who is past adolescence.

Scott said there are advantages to adopting a dog that is past the “puppy stage.” They are often crate and house trained, which can alleviate some of the pressures of having a new dog in the home.

“They can certainly learn,” she said. “They’re not untrainable at all.”

Dogs won’t be the only furry friends available to take home Saturday.

In a smaller, quieter room, Zelda peeks out of her cage with large, golden eyes. A white Persian cat, Zelda’s long hair was severely matted together when she was brought in as a stray.

She was given a haircut to get rid of the matted fur, but Scott cooed over her sweet demeanor.

“She’s going to be a real beauty again soon,” she said. “She’s a sweetie.”

There will be 12 cats up for adoption Saturday, and three kittens that can be spoken for, but are not ready to take home.

Saturday’s event will provide more volunteers to handle the animals so there can be one-on-one time between potential owners and adoptable pets.

Three outdoor playpens will provide ample space to see dogs in a more relaxed and open environment, Scott said.

The event was planned a month ago, but sometimes these events fall during times when the shelter is near empty.

But, this week’s event comes at the perfect time to provide relief for an abundance of animals.

“The shelter is very full,” Scott said.

Almost all of the stalls reserved for adoptable dogs and cats are occupied.

Some dogs, like Scooby, have lived in their cages for months, but Scott said she hopes someone will want to take a friendly dog like him into their home.

“It is a little sad,” she said. “It’s not a normal life, here. They get to interact a little with the staff, but it’s not as nurturing as a home could be.”